VIERA, Fla. — Jason Marquis knew something wasn’t quite right with his elbow, really, from the moment he started throwing in his first spring with the Nationals. The discomfort, though, didn’t prevent him from pitching altogether. And as someone who had never suffered any kind of significant arm injury during a 10-year, big-league career, he figured he’d be able to battle his way through what appeared to be nothing more than a small blip.

“I pride myself on taking the ball every five days,” the right-hander said. “I felt it was something I could work out and pitch through. Obviously, you saw the results.”

The results, of course, were as ugly as anything you’ll ever see from a major-league pitcher.

“Was it a mistake? Probably,” he said. “But you can’t fault me for wanting to do good and be a part of something and going out there and busting my butt every time.”

Like this:

After enduring that miserable beat-down that the Brewers put on him last April, this guys deserves something positive this year. That 30 minutes was some of the most uncomfortable time I can remember spending in the stadium. After the first couple runs I remember people getting mean with catcalls, etc., which is part of baseball, but after it kept going and he couldn't get a single out I remember people getting quieter and almost suffering along with him. Maybe it was just my section. It felt like watching a 10-car pile up in slow motion without being able to do anything about it. If he can get off to a good start the sense of atonement will be well-appreciated.

I think knew something was wrong at the end of the 2009 season. He was pitching poorly then, too. But, he was in a contract year and didn't want to let on that he was hurt until after he signed up for his 15 million.

Ernie, we had the same experience in our section. It was the most uncomfortable time I've ever spent in a stadium. No one around us was mad at him; we all just felt bad for him. We are right by the dugout, and the look on his face as he walked back is something I'll never forget. I hope, for his sake more than anyone else's, that he is back the way he wants to be.

Anonymous said… : N'importe quoi. Marquis will be among the comeback of the year nominees. He'll win in the double digit. Did you forget he was on the All Star team two years ago? He's not a number One starting pitcher, but, for sure, he'll be one of the best in the third slot. That means winnnings…Marquis is a proven veteran. He knows how to pitch. He is healthy. He will be good.

Marquis (based on his contract alone) will be one of the final roster decisions for this year. If he rounds into shape, he has both staff (as a #4-5 SP) & moderate trade value later in the year; If he isn't in the top-five for the rotation out of Viera, eat the contract & move along.

I thought the goal 2011 was to break out of basement, win as much as possible and hopefully lure FAs with the promise of more winning. If Marquis comes back and pitches well, you guys want him gone? Dumping a productive starter at the deadline is going in the opposite direction.